synchronicity

noun

syn·​chro·​nic·​i·​ty ˌsiŋ-krə-ˈni-sə-tē 

ˌsin-

plural synchronicities

1

: the quality or fact of being synchronous

2

: the coincidental occurrence of events and especially psychic events (such as similar thoughts in widely separated persons or a mental image of an unexpected event before it happens) that seem related but are not explained by conventional mechanisms of causality

—used especially in the psychology of Carl Gustav Jung

Did you know?

"It happens to everyone sooner or later: A certain number pops up wherever you go; an old friend you haven't seen in 20 years since high school appears the same day you're looking at her picture in a yearbook; you're singing a song and turn on the radio—and the same song is playing." Such coincidences, here described by Thomas Ropp in The Arizona Republic, March 29,1999, are examples of synchronicity. The concept is linked to the psychology of Carl Jung. Jung didn't coin the word (the "simultaneousness" sense of synchronicity was already in use), but he gave it special importance in his writings. Jung believed that such "meaningful coincidences" play an important role in our lives. Today, some people even look to synchronicities for spiritual guidance.

Examples of synchronicity in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The trio navigates the emotional weight of the story with a delicate synchronicity that peels back the layers of trauma brimming within Darcy’s subconscious, threatening to drag Daphne’s creative spirit down with him. —Glenn Garner, Deadline, 24 Jan. 2025

This synchronicity strengthens Pokémon’s place as a cultural phenomenon while showcasing McDonald’s adaptability in creating globally resonant promotions. —Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025

This synchronicity is not a coincidence, says Jeff Tischauser, a researcher at the Southern Poverty Law Center. —Tess Owen, WIRED, 26 Nov. 2024

Say yes to the divine synchronicities taking place in your life, Water Bearer. Pisces Sun & Rising Pisces, the Universe has been shining its light on you lately, even if Pisces Season has come and gone. —Dossé-Via Trenou, refinery29.com, 28 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1889, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Medical Definition

synchronicity

noun

syn·​chro·​nic·​i·​ty ˌsiŋ-krə-ˈnis-ət-ē, ˌsin- 

plural synchronicities

: the coincidental occurrence of events and especially psychic events (as similar thoughts in widely separated persons or a mental image of an unexpected event before it happens) that seem related but are not explained by conventional mechanisms of causality

—used especially in the psychology of C. G. Jung